Alex Reay

"I started professional photography relatively late in life, in my mid-40s, but it feels like a natural culmination of everything I've done before. I studied Technical Illustration at the Mid-Cheshire School of Art & Design in the late 1980s, where photography was part of the curriculum. This early foundation in composition, perspective and visual storytelling led me to a 16-year career as a technical illustrator, where I produced detailed illustrations, particularly historical and street maps, for major publishing houses such as The Times, Dorling Kindersley, and AA Publishing. Later on, with a desire to work with people, I entered the property industry as an estate agent. This experience gave me a deep understanding of the housing market, the importance of presentation and what truly makes a property stand out. As a result, I've been able to seamlessly combine my art and technical skills with my knowledge of property and people. My journey has allowed me to draw from a wealth of experience - from the precision of technical illustration to the storytelling aspects of photography, along with the insights gained from working in real estate. Today, I get to do what I love: create striking images of beautifully designed homes while interacting with people from all walks of life."